Gramophone or talking-machine.



No. 759,348. PATENTED MAY 10, 1904.-

' A. CLARK. GRAMOPHONE 0R TALKING MACHINE.

APPLIUATION FILED APR. 26. 1902. N0 MODEL. 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

Z/fz'izwsses I i7zyenior.

PATENTED MAY 10, 1904.

A. CLARK. GRAMOPHONE 0R TALKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 26. 1902.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

N0 MODEL.

provided with both a recording-stylus and a UNITE STATES PatentedMay 10, 1904:.

PATENT- OFFICE.

ALFRED CLARK, OF PARIS, FRANCE.

GRAMOPHONE OR TALKING-MACHINE.

I SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 759,348, dated may 10, 1904.

Application filed April 26, 1902.

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, ALFRED-CLARK, a citi-- zen of the United States of America, and a resident of the city of Paris, Republic of France, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Sound "Recording and Reproducing Machines, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings, forming part of this specification.

My invention relates to sound recording and reproducing machines commonly known in the trade as disk machines; and the main object of my invention is to so improve on the machines heretofore made that the user of a machine may use the same machine for making records as well as for reproducing records of sound-vibrations.

Heretofore the sale on disk talking-machines was limited, owing to the fact that persons desiring to make their own records, as well as to reproduce them, were obliged to use a complicated and very expensive machine.

' In carrying my invention into effect I provide a disk record-tablet made wholly or partially of wax or wax-like material or any other material capable of being cut into by the recording point or stylus, so as to remove or displace the material of the tablet in forming'the record-groove, and in order to provide a simple form of sound-box which may be readily employed in the making and re-.

production of said record andone capable of simple operation I provide a diaphragm car ried, preferably, by a tubular supporting-arm capable of horizontal and vertical movement relative to the disk, and which diaphragm is reproducing tracer, either of whichmay be brought into operative position. In the preferred form this diaphragm is arranged to rotate on its supporting-arm to bring either the stylus or tracer into operative position, and I also provide a locking device for locking the diaphragm or its supporting-arm against horizontal movement when the recording-point is in operative position, it being understood that when the reproducing-traceris in operative position the diaphragm will be free to move horizontally with respect to the disk, so as to Serial No. 104,744. (No model.)

insure the accurate tracking of the tracer in the record-groove. It will also be understood that the provision for vertical movement of the diaphragm-supporting arm is designed to overcome irregularities in the surface of the disk. The movement of the diaphragm-supporting arm is independent of the horn-support, and in no wise is it affected by the same. The diaphragm-supporting arm being connected to the horn-support by a universal joint permits the diaphragm to have lateral and vertical movement independent of the lateral and vertical movement of the horn and horn-support, and the movement of the horn in no wise affects the movement of the diaphragm while the said diaphragm is being fed across the record by the record-groove. Owing to this construction the diaphragm is compelled to more readily follow the sinuosities of the record-groove and is not affected by the weight of the horn or its support.

While the essential and characteristic features of my invention are necessarily susceptible of modification, the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 represents a plan view of a part of a talking-machine embodying my invention. Fig. 2 represents a vertical section taken on line 00 y in- Fig. 1. Fig. 3 represents a sectional view of the diaphragm. Fig. 4 represents a plan view of the same. Figs.

5 and 6 represent sectional viewsof the dia phragm-tube, showing the play ofthe tube in its vertical and horizontal directions. Fig.

'7 represents a side elevation of my improved recording and reproducing, device arranged for recording, and Fig; 8 represents a similar View arranged for reproducing. Fig. 9 represents a side elevation of my improved recording and reproducing device arranged for reproducing, and illustrating an ad ustable horn-support, and Fig. 10 is an end elevation. V v

10 to a rotary support )2.

3 disk.

0 by this construction andby material, preferably metal. The clampingcap B is provided with a spiral guidinggroove which leads to the center of said cap. Engaging with the spiral groove of the clamp- 5 ing-cap is a guide-pin C, which is connected in any well-known manner to the arm D of the sound-box G.

The sound-box G consists of ailiaphragm a? and a rubber gasket '10, which are attached Attached .to the diaphragm .2 is a plate or support 0, provided with both a recording-point q and a reproducing-point r.

The rotary diaphragm-support n is provided 5 with a socket t, which is fitted to the diaphragm-tube m by means of a pin 11-, which engages with the groove 1' in said tube, thereby permitting the diaphragm to be turned at right angles to its central axis, so as to bring the recording-point q or the reproducing point r at pleasure into contact with the record-disk F. p is a weight secured to the diaphragm-support 11 and which engages with the catch p on the lever Z, thereby securing the diaphragm rigidly when so desired. The lever I also serves the purpose of raising the diaphragm when required in order to avoid-any possible destructions of the impressions on the recordlVhen the weight 7) is in engagement with the catch 1) on the lever 7, the diaphragm is absolutely rigid, so that no horizontal displacement is possible on the pivot j of the diaphragm-tube m.

It is well known that when a diaphragm is to be used for reproducing purposes more pressure is required than when used for recording purposes, and it is for this reason that 4 I secure the weight 1) to the diaphragm-support 21, which when it is moved away from its center or support, which in this case is the reproducing-point r, Fig. 8, it produces additional weight to the point "r and morcdownward pressure upon the reproducing-point,

and consequently the latter is more firmly applied to the disk than when recording. The weight 2) being no longer in engagement with the catch p permits a very slight motion in a 5 horizontal direction to the tubes of the. diaphragm. This horizontal movement is just suflicient to permit the reproducing-point r to actually follow the path of the spiral groove.

In Fig. 7 it will be noticed that the weight p is in engagement with the catch p of the lever Z, and is therefore nearer the center or support, which in this case is the recordingpointq, and it therefore produces less pressure upon the point It will be noted that the relative location of the recording-point near the center of the diaphragm and the reproducing-point away from such center a considerable excess of pressure is exerted on the reproducing- 5 point during reproduction over that which is exerted on the recording-point during the recording process.

It will be seen that by simply turning the rotary diaphragm-support '22 with the recorder from Fig. 7 it will be converted intoa reproducer, as shown in Fig. 8.

Referring to Figs. 5 and Got the drawings, on represents the diaphragm-tube, to which is fitted a ring Z by means of a pin or stud 7'. The ring 1' is passed over the extension of the articulated joint 7: in such a manner that the pin j engages with a slot in the said extension. This construction serves to prevent any displacement in the horizontal direction of the interior of the tubes and enables the diaphragm having attached thereto both recording and reproducing points to have a very slight lateral motion in the plane of the disk. By this construction it will be seen that the sound-box and its parts are free to swing vertically upon the pin 2'. and horizontally upon the pin j when the reproducing-tracer' is in operative relation with the record-tablet; but they are constrained to move vertically only when the recording-stylus is in such operative relation. Y

ln talking-machines of the class described it is necessary to provide an amplifying-horn and a support for the same. In Fig. 9 l have shown my improved device as supported at the end of such a horn, (shown in dotted line s the horn in turn being supported by a universal connection at the outer end of the arm (Z, extending from the case of the machine (not shown) as usual. This arm (I has anupturned outer end provided with a socket, into which is inserted the stud e of the yoke (2, thus permitting horizontal movement of the horn-support. The yoke e carries a pivoted cross-head I), through which passes the adjusting-rod (1,, held in place by the set-screw c. The horn is inserted in the clamping-ring g, which is supported at 'the outer end of the rod (2- and carries the diaphragm tube 212 and its connections, as shown. btopsfare secured in the cross-head b to limit the movement of horn-support when the diaphragmpoints are not in engagement withthe record.

These stops also serve to hold the sound-box at the proper angle with the record by their engaging the cross-bar of the yoke b. l

I am aware that changes may be made in various arrangements and combinations of the parts wi'thoutdeparting from the scope of my invention. Hence I do not limit my invention to the exact arrangement and combination of the parts as described, nor do I confine myself to the exact shape and configuration of the same. Having described my invention; what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a talking-machine, the combination with a record-tablet adapted to receive a rec- 0rd in the form of a groove, of a diaphragm,

a support therefortprovided with a universal joint thereby permitting said tube to have both therewith, means whereby either the stylus or the tracer may be brought into operative position relative to the tablet, while maintaining the other out of operative position, and a locking device designed tohold the diaphragmsupport agai'nst lateral movement when the recording-stylus-is in operative position.

2. In a talking-machine, the combination with a record-tablet adapted to receive a record in the form of a groove, of a rotary diaphragm, a support therefor provided with a universal joint thereby permitting said tube to have both vertical and lateral movement, a recording-stylus and a reproducing-tracer attached to said diaphragm and arranged so that when either is in operative position on the tablet said diaphragm will be held at an angle to the tablet thereby maintaining the other out of operative position, and a locking device designed to hold the'diaphragm-support against lateral movement when the stylus is in operativeposition.

3. In a talking-machine, the combination I with a record-tablet adapted to receive a record in the form of agroove, of a diaphragm, a recording-stylus and a reproducing-tracer cooperating therewith, means-whereby either the stylus or the tracer may he brought into operative position relative to the tablet, while maintaining the other out of operative position, and a diaphragm-tube having a universal joint thereby permitting said tube to have both vertical and lateral movement and means to constrain-the movement of said support to one direction only. i

4. In a talking-machine, the combination with a record-tablet adapted to receive a ree 0rd in the form of a groove, of a diaphragm,

a recording-stylus and a reproducing-tracer cooperating therewith, means whereby either the stylus or the tracer may be brought into operative position relative to the tablet while maintaining the other out of operative position, a diaphragn1-tube having a universal joint thereby permitting said diaphragm to have both vertical and lateral movement, and alocking device designed to hold thediaphragm-tube against lateral movement when the stylus is in operative position.

5. In a talking-machine, the combination with a record-tablet adapted to receive a'record in the form of aspiral groove, of a rotary diaphragm, a recording-stylus and a reproducingtracer attached to said diaphragm and arrangedso that when either is in operative position onv the tablet said diaphragm'will be held at an angle to the tablet. thereby maintaining the otherout of operative position, a diaphragm-tube having a universal joint thereby permitting said tube to have both vertical and lateral movement, and a lockingdevice designed to hold the diaphragm-support against lateral movement when the stylus is in operative position.

6. In a talking-machine, a diaphragm having a plate or support inclined ,to the recordtablet and provided with a recording-stylus and a reproducing-tracer and capable of being turned at right angles to its central axis and provided with a weighted catch, a locking-lever adapted to engage said catch for locking the diaphragm-plate when the stylus is inoperative relation with the tablet, the weighted catch operating to increase the pressure upon the tracer when it is in operative position, substantially as described.

7 In a talking-machine, the combination with a record-tablet adapted to receive a record in the form of a groove, of a diaphragm, a support therefor hinged to move toward and away from the tablet, a recording-stylus and a reproducing-tracer, a weighted catch, and means whereby either the stylus or the tracer may be brought into operative position relative to the tablet, while maintaining the other out of operative position.

8. In atalking-machine, the combination with a record-tablet adapted to receive a record in the form of a spiral groove, of a diaphragm, a recording-stylus and a reproducing-tracer, a diaphragm-tube provided with a, universal joint thereby permitting said tube to have both vertical and lateral movement, a locking device designed to hold the diaphragm-tube against lateral movement when the stylus is in operative position, and means whereby the stylus or tracer may be brought into operative position relative to the tablet while maintaining the other out of operative position.

9. In a talking-machine, the combination with a record-tablet, inthe form of a groove, of a diaphragm, a recording-stylus and a reproducing-tracer, a diaphragm-support having a joint to permit movement of the diaphragm in all directions, aweight on said diaphragm-support, a locking-lever adapted to engage said weight for locking the diaphragmplate against lateral movement when the stylus is in operative relation with the tablet, said weight operating to increase the pressure at the tracer, substantially as described.

10. In a talking-machine, the combination with a record-tablet adapted to receive a record in the form of a groove, of a rotary diaphragm, a recording-stylus and a reproducing tracer attached to said diaphragm and arranged so that when either is in operative positionon the tablet said diaphragm will be held at an angle to the tablet, thereby maintaining the other out of operative position, a universally-pivoted supporting-arm carrying said. diaphragm, a weight on the said diaphragm-support for maintaining the tracer in contact with the bottom of the record-groove, and a locking-lever adapted to engage the weight for locking the diaphragmplate against lateral movement when the stylus is in operative relation with the tablet, substantially as described.

11. In a talking-machine, the combination with a wax-like tablet adapted to receive a record-groove, a plate provided with a guidegroove, a rotary diaphragm, a universallypivoted supporting-arm carrying said diaphragm, a recording-stylus mounted on said diaphragm, a reproducing-tracer also mounted on said diaphragm, either of which may be brought into operative position by a rotary movement of the diaphragm, a locking device for locking the diaphragm-supporting arm against lateral movement when the recording-stylus is in operative position, and a guide-pin engaging said guide-groove, substantially as described.

12. In a'talking-machine, the combination with a wax-like tablet adapted to receive a record-groove, a plate provided with a guidegroove, a rotaly diaphragm a universallypivoted supporting-arm carrying said diaphragm, a recording-stylus mounted on said diaphragm, a reproducing-tracer also mounted on said diaphragm, either of which may be brought into operative position by a rotary movement of the diaphragm, a'weight on said diaphragm-support formaintaining the tracer in contact with the bottom of the recordgroove, and a guide-pin engaging said guidegroove, substantially as set forth.

13. In a talking-machine, the combination with a wax-like tablet adapted to receive a record-groove and a guide-groove, a rotary diaphragm, a universally-pivoted supportingarm carrying said diaphragm, a recordingstylus mounted on said diaphragm, a reproducing -tracer also mounted on said diaphragm, either of which may be brought into operative position by a rotary movement of the diaphragm, a locking device for locking the diaphragm-supporting arm against lateral movement when the recording-stylus is in operative position, a weight on said diaphragm-support for maintaining the tracer in contact with the bottom of the recordgroove, said weight constituting'one member of said locking device and a guide-pin engaging with said guide-groove, substantially as set forth.

14. In a talking-machine the combination of a rotary diaphragm-supporaa diaphragmtube upon which said diaphragm-support is mounted, means for permitting said tube to oscillate either vertically or laterally and means to limit the oscillation of said tube in but one direction only.

15. In a talkingmachine,the combination of a diaphragm having secured thereto a recording-stylus and a reproducing-tracer, a diaphram-tube, a universally-pivoted support for said diaphragm-tube; means for permitting universal movementof said tube and for permitting movement in a single direction only.

16. In atalking-machine, the combination of a rotary diaphragm, a un iversally-pivoted support therefor, a locking device for said diaphragm, whereby when said device is unlocked said diaphragm may have vertical and lateral movement and when said device is locked, the said diaphragm is limited to vertical movement only.

17 In a talking-machine,tl1e combination of a sound-box, provided with a rotary diaphragm-support, carrying a diaphragm, a recording-point and a reprod ucingpoint secured to said diaphragm, and a weight mounted on said diaphragm-s11pport to increase the pressure upon the reproducingpoint over that upon the recording-point, by the rotation of the diaphragm-Snpport.

18. Ina talking-machine,thc combination of a horn-support and a diaphragm-tube,a universal joint between said support and said tube therebypermitting both vertical and lateral oscillations of said tube, and means for limiting the movementof said tube toa single direction only.

19. Ina talking-machine the combination of a horn-support and a diaphragm-tube, a universal joint connecting said tube to said support,

' permitting both vertical and lateral movement of said tube and a locking device for said support and tube whereby the movement of said tube may be limited to a single direction only.

20. In atalking-machine the combination of ahorn-support and a diaphragm-tube, a universal joint connecting said support and said tube, for permitting both vertical and lateral movement of said tube, and a locking device -for said support and said tube for limiting said tube to vertical movement.

' 21. lln a talking-machine, the combination of a horn-support and a diaphragm-tube, a universal joint connecting said tube and said support, for permitting both vertical and lateral movement of said tube, and a locking device.

for said support and said. tube, for holding the tube against lateral movement.

This specification signed and witnessed this 15th day of April, 1902.

' ALFRED CLARK. Witnesses:

, EDWARD P. MAoLuAN,

PAUHF. PA UET. 

